UA students pack Council Chambers; ask for help from city leaders

April 30, 2013

UA students and their supporters opposed to closing a university office dedicated to helping minorities asked Council to intercede on their behalf during the public comment period of Monday’s Council meeting. UA plans to shutter the Office of Multicultural Development, which the students say is an indispensable asset in helping minority students navigate sometimes-confusing university requirements and procedures. At Large Council Representative Mike Williams said he would demand a meeting with UA President Luis Proenza to discuss the closing. “It would be a shame to have an urban university not serving its urban population,” he said. Council President Garry Moneypenny said Council would take up the students’ cause, but conceded that Council may have little influence with university officials.